The Original 10 Founders
"At a time when society looked upon women only as daughters, wives, and mothers—and therefore not in need of higher education—our ten founders were pioneers of the coeducational system. Attending school with the handicap of implied, if not open, opposition, our founders sought support from each other.

There was a need for a social center, a place of conference, a tie which should unite, a circle of friends who could sympathize with one another in their perplexities. They formed Alpha Phi in 1872 at Syracuse University.

Today, Alpha Phi continues to provide a 'tie which unites, a circle of friends' for women young and old all around the world. From hand to hand and heart to heart, we are all grateful and proud of the legacy left to us by our founders"
                                                                                - Alpha Phi International Website

Clara Bradley Wheeler Baker Burdette	Hattie Florence Chidester Lukens
Martha Emily Foote Crow	Ida Arabella Gilbert DeLamanter Houghton
Jane Sara Higham	Kate Elizabeth Hogoboom Gilbert
Elizabeth Grace Hubbell Shults	Clara Sittser Williams
Louise Viola Shepard Hancock	Rena A. Michaels Atchison

Our Symbols
The symbols of Alpha Phi are our outwards signs
of the love and respect we have for each other
and Alpha Phi. These symbols bind Alpha Phis throughout the world!

Alpha Phi Badge

The official badge of Alpha Phi is an unjeweled monogram of gold, showing the symbol of Alpha superimposed upon the symbol of Phi. Inscribed in black on the symbol Phi are the letters a, o, e. The meaning of these letters is reserved for the initiation ceremony. Alpha Phi was the first women's organization to use Greek letters as an emblem. In 1906, this standard badge was adopted for all Alpha Phis.

New Member Badge

In 1898, the Fraternity adopted a special badge to honor her newest members. It is in the shape of an ivy leaf, set in silver pewter. An every-growing vine, the ivy symbolizes the growth of the Alpha Phi sisterhood.

Fraternity Crest

The Crest is the Alpha Phi coat-of-arms, adopted by Convention delegates in 1922. The shield is bordeaux with a scroll and ivy leaf above it. Inscribed on the scroll is the public motto "Union, hand in hand." The meaning of the symbols depicted on the crest is a significant part of the ritual witnessed at Initiations. The use of the Fraternity crest is reserved for jewelry, sportswear and other equipment befitting the dignity and honor of Alpha Phi's heritage.

Fraternity Colors

In 1879, Alpha Phi adopted these more distinctive colors. Members wear their colors in the form of a ribbon under their badge to acknowledge special occasions, the installation of a new chapter, the anniversary of their chapter's installation or the celebration of Alpha Phi Founder's Day (Oct, 10th).

Fraternity Flowers

The dazzling blue and gold Forget-Me-Not, symbolizing remembrance.


Lilies of the Valley consist of clusters of small, white, bell-shaped flowers that hang from a single stem. Known for their sweet fragrance, their scent has inspired countless perfumes.

Ivy symbolizes the intertwining of intellectual, philanthropical and social pursuits. It is also symbolic of the way in which our lives become intertwined with one another's as we become friends and sisters in Alpha Phi.

Alpha Phi Bear

The mascot of Alpha Phi, the "Phi Bear," is named after Ursa Major, the Great Bear, and was adopted in 1974